Imaging

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral fragmentation of the dorsoproximal margin of the proximal phalanx is commonly recognised in racing Thoroughbreds. Frequency distribution has been documented in racing Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in the USA and in European Warmbloods but no data have been published from the UK. Concurrent intra-articular soft tissue lesions and radiographic accuracy of fragment distribution in racing Thoroughbreds have not previously been reported.

OBJECTIVES: To compare accuracy of the ultrasound-guided craniodorsal (CrD) approach with the dorsal (D) approach to the cervical articular process joints, and to evaluate the effect of the transducer, needle gauge, and operator experience.

The metacarpal condyle has received extensive attention as a predominant site of overload arthropathy in racehorses. However, detailed descriptions of MRI lesion patterns for the metacarpophalangeal joint and comparisons between types of racing horses are currently lacking.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive imaging tools are needed to screen foal femoropatellar joints to detect subclinical osteochondrosis lesions due to focal failure of endochondral ossification to enhance early management to optimise intrinsic healing events. Recently investigations employing 3T susceptibility-weighted MRI (3T SWI MRI) and CT have demonstrated their capacity for early osteochondrosis diagnosis, but these technologies are not practical for field screening. We postulate that ultrasonography is a valuable field tool for the detection of subclinical osteochondrosis lesions.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There are no reports on the configuration of equine central tarsal bone fractures based on cross-sectional imaging and clinical and radiographic long-term outcome after internal fixation.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Sesamoiditis is a common radiological finding in yearling Thoroughbreds. The condition is believed to be associated with suspensory ligament branch injury (SLBI), which is known to affect racing performance. The presence of subclinical suspensory ligament branch change (SSLBC) in untrained yearlings has not been investigated. Associations between sesamoiditis, SSLBC and subsequent SLBI would allow more accurate prognoses to be made regarding the development of SLBI. They could also provide opportunity for intervention and prevention of SLBI.

The objective of this study was to evaluate relative echogenicity of superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon and interosseous muscle of the metacarpal region in foals ages 1 week to 4 months; and assess the association between echogenicity and sex or side/laterality.

Seven Standardbred trotter foals were examined. Right and left metacarpal regions (palmar surface) were ultrasonographically investigated, and four regions of interest were assessed.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) could be a valuable method for evaluation of blood flow and perfusion of these processes in the equine distal limb, however no reports were found describing feasibility or safety of the technique. The goal of this prospective, experimental study was to describe the feasibility and safety of distal limb CEUS in a sample of six horses.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Ultrasound is widely used in horses with stifle lameness, yet limited information is available regarding the appearance of normal and injured lateral patellar ligaments (LPL).

OBJECTIVES: To map the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the LPL. To describe the clinical and ultrasonographic features of LPL injuries.

They made a difference

One of the BIG originals of veterinary orthopedics was Saki Paatsama. Born in an engineering family in Tampere, just 2 hours north of Helsinki in Finland, and with carpenters and boat builders in the family, Saki was preprogrammed to take a leading role in the carpentry of veterinary surgery.